Cylinder for printing-machines.



I PATENTED SEPT. 11, I906.

G. F. READ. CYLINDER FOR PRINTING MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED JULYl. 1905.

" GEORGE F.- READ, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.. ASSIGNOR TO ROBERT HOE, OF

YORK, N. Y.

CYLINDER FOR PRINTING-MACHINES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 11, 1906.

Application filed July 1, 1 J05. Serial No. 267,917.

T at whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE F. READ, a

citizenof the United States, residing at New York, county of Kings, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Cylinders for Printing-Machines, fully described and represented in the following specification and the accompanymg drawings, forming a part of, the same.

than the lighter ones.

This invention relates to certain improvements in cylinders for printing-machines.

The demand for fast-running printing-ma chines capacitated to produce a large output has resulted in the evolution of printingcouples consisting of long cylinders, the platecylinder of the couple being arranged to carry a considerable number of plates, and the impressioncylinder being of course of corresponding length. These cylinders as ordinarily constructed consist of central hubs and a rim, each hub being connected to the rim by a series of radially-disposed arms or' spokes. These cylinders because of their length lack the strength and rigidity necessary to withstand the force of the impression,

,and they therefore tend to spring during the printing operation, thusproducing a faultyand uneven impression. Attempts have been made to stiffen these cylinders by increasing the thickness of the rim and also by casting ribs on the inner surface of the rim.

.These expedients have, however, been unsuccessful, because the strength of the cylmders does not increase in proportion to the Weight of the metal added. These heavy cylinders, therefore, have been found in opera tion to sag and spring as much, if not more, Printing-cylinders of the character referred to run at very high rates of speed i. e., two hundred revolutions a minute, or thereabout and it is of course necessary that they be perfectly balanced. The balancing of the printing or plate cylinder of the couple is not in itself a difiicult matter; but the balancing of the impression-cylinder presents more difficulties, for the reason that it must be provided with blankets or packing, which in printing-machines as now ordinarily constructed are controlled by reels or similar mechanism located in the interior of the cylinder and between the arms or spokes before referred to, these arms being arranged to provide,thenecessary space for the reels. Openings are provices overweight the cylinders at the points,

where these devices are located, thus making it necessary to compensate for this over- Weight by adding counterbalancing-weights.

It is one of the objects of this invention to produce a printing-cylinder which shall be stiff and rigid, thus avoiding the springing hereinbefore referred to and the objectionable results following therefrom, and which at the same time is comparatively light, the metal therein being so disposed as to give a great amount of strength in proportion to its Weight.

A further object of the invention is to produce a printing-cylinder which shall be comparatively light and stiff and which at the same time shall be perfectly balanced.

A further object of the invention is to produce an improved impression-cylinder for printing-machines which in addition to being light and stiff has the rim strongly supported at or near the blanket-openings.

A further object of the invention is to produce an improved. cylinder for a printingmachine Which in addition to being light and stiff has the material thereof so disposed as to cause it to be nearly balanced when the blanket-controlling devices are in place and to provide for a ready disposition of such counterbalancing-weights as may be necessarv.

With these and other objects in view the invention consists in certain constructions and in certain parts, improvements, and combinations, as will be hereinafter fully described and then specifically pointed out in the claims.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of an impression-cylinder. Fig. 2 is an end view of the cylinder, and Fig. 3 is a vertical section on the line 3 3 of Fig.

Referring to the drawings, which illustrate one embodiment of the invention, 1 indicates a shaft which will be mounted in the machine in the usual manner.

2 indicates a central hub which in the park ticular construction shown is slightly longer than the cylinder. The ends 3 of this hub 'form shoulders which are in contact with the shaft-bearings (not shown) to prevent side- Wise movement of the cylinder. It has been found in practice that extending this central hub beyond the ends of the cylinder in the manner shown stiffens the cylinder and makes it more rigid than would be the case if the hub terminated at or near the ends of the cylinder, leaving an unsupported length of shaft between the bearings and the cyline der ends. While the length of this central hub may be varied, it will, however, in any event be substantially as long as the cylinder, and in the best constructions it will be as shown-that is, its ends will project beyond the cylinder ends. In the best constructions, further, this central hub will be continuous from end to end of the cylinder. The shaft may, as shown, be provided with bosses 4, which serve to support the hub at intermedi. ate points. These bosses are a common feature in printing-cylinders as now constructed but the improved construction which forms the subject of this application enables the use of fewer bosses than has heretofore been Employed on account of the strength of the ub.

The cylinder is provided with a rim 5, this rim being connected to the hub by means of Webs 6, which run longitudinally of the hub and rim. In the best constructions these webs will be symmetrically disposed. about the hub and will be continuous from end to end. They will, further, extend substantially from end to end of the rim. The cylinder will be provided with caps or heads 7, se-

cured to the rim in any suitable manner, as by screws 8, these caps or heads forming bearers for the cylinder.

A printing-cylinder constructed as describedthat is, having a central hub eX- tending substantially from end to end of the cylinder and having its rim connected to the hub by webs which extend substantially from end to end of the cylinderhas been found in practice to be exceedingly stiff and rigid, and therefore capable of withstanding the force necessarily employed. in printing to produce the impression without springing. Furthermore, the cylinder is light as compared with the constructions heretofore employed, and when the webs are, as they will be in the best constructions, symmetrically disposed around the hub the cylinder will be balanced.

When the invention is embodied in that member of the printing-couple.known as the blanket-openings, Where two openings, as is usually the case, are employed, is out of line with the other openingthe purpose of this staggered construction being to cause the plates on one end of the printing-cylinder to be under impression at the time when the ends of the plates on the other part of the cylinder run out of impression, thus preventing the jumping and springing of the cylinder which would occur if all the plates ran into contact with the impression-cylinder and out of contact with it at the same time. In the particular cylinder illustrated two openings (marked 9 and 10) for the passage of the blanket are employed, the opening 10 being indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 3. A packin '11 is illustrated, this packing being secured by pins 11, the points of which lie on the inside of the cylinder. The packing passes out through one side of the opening 9, around the cylinder, and into the other side of the opening 9, where it is secured to a straining-reel 12. This reel is journaled at one end in a bridge-piece 13, held in position by screws 14- or in any other suitable manner, and at the other end in one of the heads of the cylinder.

This reel may be provided, as indicated, with a squared head for turning it and may carry a ratchet 15 and a click-pawl 16, these parts being of usual construction, to hold the blanket in position.

A tympan sheet or web of usual character is indicated at 16, this sheet being secured at one end to a reel 17 and at the other end to a reel 18, these reels being journaled in the bridge-piece 13 and in the head of the cylinder. The reel 17 is provided with a ratchet 19 and a click-pawl 20 and also a squared head 21 for operating it, and the reel 18 is similarly provided with a ratchet 22, a clickpawl 23, and a squared head 24. These devices control the tympan sheet or blanket for one end of the cylinder, a similar set of devices (indicated in dotted lines in Figs. 2 and 3) controlling the tympan sheet or blanket at the other end of thecylinder.

The blanket-controlling devices for one end of the cylinder are located between a pair of the webs 6, and the blanket-controlling devices for the other end of the cylinder are located between another pair of the webs 6. It is of course obvious that the weakest parts of the cylinder are at or near the edges of the slots 9 and 10. In order to strengthen the cylinder at these points, the webs 6 are curved or arched, as indicated at 25, this curve or arch of the Webs serving. to stiifen and strengthen the cylinder at or near the slots. This curve of the webs, further, provides the space necessary to receive the blanket-controlling devices.

The pairs of webs 6 will be symmetrically disposed around the cylinder. In the particular construction shown the pairs of webs 6 in which the blanket-controlling devices IIO .. are located arearranged' oiie-hundred and for a very stiff and rigidcylinder and also a.

.webs 6 is. als.o.-:disposed symmetrically with respect to the other tw'oth'at is to saygthis 1pair'isarranged one hundred and twenty de grees from eachf'of thle other pairs. This arrangement of ...the web's, it is obvious would balance the cylinder if it were not for the Weight of the blanket controlling devicesj -This;extra' weight,- however, can be com-L pensatedfor b;.'-inserting"a weight or weights, (indicated at 26) in the chamber 27, formed by the third: pair OfQWBbS 6.

It will befseen. that the invention provides;

I cylinder which is comparatively light, thel metal being disposed-in such a way as to provide for the sti'lin'essand rigidity without in-l ,creasing the weight of thecylinder; 'Fur-; 'ther, theplate cylinderof the couple con-: structed in accordance with the. invention is.

practically balanced, and the balancing of the. impression-cylinder of the ."couple when constructed accordance with the inven-' tion can be readily effectedand by theemployment of a comparatively small amount of weight.

Changes and variations may be made in the construction by which the invention is carried into efiect'. The. inventionislnot, therefore, to be limited. to thespecific construction hereinbefore set forth, and illustrated in the accompan; ing drawings.

What is claimed is t 1. A cylinder for printing-machines comprising a central hub extending substantially from end to end of they cylinder, a rim, and webs connecting the rim and hub, said Webs extending substantially from end to end of the cylinder. 1

2. A cylinder for printing-machines comprising a continuous central hub extending substantially from end to end of the cylinder, a rim, and continuous webs connecting the rim and hub, said webs extendin substan .tially from end to end of the cylin er.

3. A cylinder for printing-machines comprising a central hub extending substantially from end to end of the cylinder, a rim, and webs connecting the rim and hub, said webs extending substantially from end to end of the cylinder and being symmetrically disposed around the central hub.

4. A cylinder for printing-machines comprising a continuous central hub extending substantially from end to end of the cylinder, a rim, and continuous webs connecting the rim and hub, said webs extending substantiall i' from end to end of the cylinder and being symmetrically disposed around the central hub.

5. An impression-cylinder for printingmachines-comprising a central hub extending substantially from end to end of the cylinder,

- extending sub a rim having an openingfor the, pa'sage of the blankets, and webs connecting therimand hub,- saidwebs extendingsubstantially from end to endof"the-cylinder 6. An impression c'ylinder' for I pr ntingmachines comprisinga central continuous hub extending substantially from end to end of'the cylinder, a rim having an OPGIllIigfQT the passage of the blankets, and 'jcontinuoius webs connecting the-rim andhub, sa' d'webs thecylinderl' r 7-. impression-cylinder for, printing machinescom' rising a central hub extending substantially iro'm'endto end ofthe cylinder, a rim having'anlopening for the passage of the blanketsffand webs connecting thelrin'n and hub, the webs adj acentito "the opening being curved to form an arclrwhich supports therimoneach side of the opening.

8. impression-cyli der for printingmachines comprising a continuous central hub extending substantially from end to end of the c; linder, a rim having an openingior the passage of the blankets, and continuous webs connecting the rim:and hub, the webs adjacent to the opening being curved to form an arch which supports the rim on each side of the opening.

9. An impression-cylinder for printingmachines comprising a central'hub extending substantially from end to end of the cylinder,

-a rim provided with-a plurality of staggered openings for the passage of the blankets, webs connecting the rim and hub, said webs being arranged in pairs and symmetrically disposed around the hub, the webs on each side of and adjacent to an opening being curved to form an arch which supports the rim on each side of the opening.

10.- An impression-cylinder for printingmachines comprising a central continuous hub extending substantially from end to end of the cylinder, a rim provided with a plurality of staggered openings for the passage of the blankets, continuous webs connectlng the rim and hub, said webs being arranged in pairs and symmetrically disposed around the hub, the webs on each side of and adjacent to an opening being curved to form an arch which supports the rim on each side of the opening.

11.- An impression-cylinder for printingmachines comprising 'a central hub extending substantially from end to end of the cylinder, a rim, webs arranged in pairs connectlng the hub and the rim, said pairs of webs being symmetrically disposed around the cylinder, the rim having openings for the passage of the blankets leading into the space inclosed by two of the pairs, and the webs being curved on each side of an opening to form an arch which supports the rim on each side.

12. An impression-cylinder for printingmachines comprising a continuous central stant'ia'lly from" end to eiidbf side otanopexiing to form an arch which sup ,ports. the rimon each side.

13. impression-cylinder for.- printing... machines com rising a central hub extending; substantially omend toend-o'fthe cylinder;

a rim, twoistaggered openingsin the rim an ranged one hundred and twenty degrees, 1 iamfcrthe-pas g of b ankets, two pairs: 02 symmetricailly difsposedi webs connecting the rim and hub, the webs of these pairsbe-. lopate'd on. eachside of andiadjacent to ,an o ,ening and; being curved to fornian arch w-ichjsupportsv the rim oneach side of the opening, and a third pair of webs symmetrica ly-disp'oscdwit'h respect to the other two.

14:. impression-cylinder for. printingmachines. comprising a continuous central; hub; extending substantially from end to end oit-he-cyli-nder, a rim, two-staggered openings in theirirn arranged one hundred and twenty degrees apart for the passage of. blankets, two pairs of symmetrically-disposed continuous Webs connecting the rim and hub, the Webs of these pairs being located on each side of and adjacent to an opening and being curved to form an arch which supports the rim on each side of the opening, and a third pairof continuous webs symmetrically disposedwith respect to the other two.

15. An impression-cylinder for printingmachinescomprising a central hub extending m endih lb, t ewe s adjacent to: an oponingiafnd being curved to fornian arch; which supports-the rim;- on each sideof he opening, a-s'e'tllofi blanketeeont ling me nsarrangedz. inithe space inclosed by ea pa rf we a third P1341305 web yminetriCally disposed; With re'sp ectfto the other two. pairs, nd e gh c edii n. t Spac inclosed by the thirdgpain-ofywebfif i 16". impression-cylinder; for, printingm tchincs comprising-- a central; continueus I hu xte d-ing 'ubstant e y HM-cy nder; i m tw t gs da pen ngs n the m arran e n en ers a i'tw y deg e apart er ile Pass g blanke two pairs, of- .continuousiwebsf connecting, the .rim and hub, the webs of; each. pair being a d- 1 e ch; side Q a di djac nt to a opening. and being curved to; form an arch ch, upp he r m n ea h; i e oi h opening, a set; off blanket-controlling means arranged in the; space incl'osed by each pair of webs, a third pair of continuous webs symmetrically disposed.withrespectto the other two pairs, and? a weight located in the space inclosed by the thirdpairof webs;

In testimonywhereof I, have hereunto set my'hand in the presence of: two subscribing witnesses.

GEQRGE F. READ. 

